While the economic impact of ecotourism naturally varies from one destination to another, and certainly from one local population to another, governments can have a significant influence on how much money is involved and how the revenue is used. As more people travel to locations that were previously not on tour itineraries, local government officials will direct the increasing funds to various groups and organizations to ensure financial success.



But some in the ecotourism field are concerned that the governments will not direct the funds to environmental protection in sufficient amounts. In most cases, revenue that is controlled by government agencies will be funnelled to those organizations that play a significant role in the local economy. This will almost always be the case if the region is a tourist destination that needs infrastructure and facilities to handle the travelers.

Some of the is practical thinking is necessary, of course, and some of it is even admirable. However, when a get-away destination's primary attraction is natural resources, it becomes imperative that some funding be used for sustaining these resources for the long term. To put it quite simply, the environment must not be taken for granted in the process of developing an ecotourism location.

Unfortunately, too many people in government agencies and in the general population forget what it takes to ensure that the environment remains unchanged. Numerous organizations have formed over the years to address just this issue, but too many among the general public are not listening closely enough to the message.

In an ironic turn of events, one of the major environmental issues of our time, global warming, has helped put the wider issue of the environment squarely in front of the general populace. As this occurs, government agencies may begin to take notice as well, listening to their constituencies when the discussion turns to preserving natural resources. Funding environmental projects with government finances is not only important it is critical to the survival of plant and animal life. Beyond that, this funding may actually save the budding ecotourism industry in many locations.

While many private organizations have focused on the environment and on ecotourism, their efforts generally have a limited impact. Without the cooperation of government agencies, the privately-funded groups can only do so much. Positive influence must come from all sectors, public and private. One example would be the individual states in the U.S. Each state has as its chief administrator, a governor. This governor can use his or her influence to see that public funds are channelled to environmental projects and ecotourism on the local level. Local government leaders, in towns and cities, can do the same.

Some areas depend heavily on natural resources to generate revenue for continued operation such as . If these unique locations do not have the necessary public funds, the environment and ecotourism may be in danger of going the way of animal and plant species lost to us forever. A key factor in this process is showing government officials that funds can be directed to both the environment and to daily government functions.

Those with more than a passing interest in the impact of money on ecotourism may want to ask a few questions at City Hall or in the state capital. Information on this issue is also available at select Web sites. An informed public can be the environments best champion.